Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, says the priority of his administration is to meet the challenges of dwindling federal allocation through efficient and effective tax collection.
He stressed the urgent need to reduce the cost of governance, block financial leakages and said he would soon sign into law a bill on tax collection and administration.
A statement Ahmed issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, insisted on the “need to generate more efficiency in tax collection, improve process of tax administration and management in order to create more funds to drive infrastructural development in the state.”
He said the policies and programmes of his second term would be hinged on good governance, political stability, and improved security.
Ahmed promised to strengthen urban electrification with solar streetlights on major roads in major towns such as Omu-Aran, Patigi, Kaiama, Lafiagi, Offa, Share, and Tsaragi.
He added that his administration will sustain strategies designed to reduce the activities of hoodlums through job creation and entrepreneurship development.
According to him, the International Vocational Centre, Ajasse-Ipo will be fully equipped and become operational this year to provide vocational skills for entrepreneurship.
He also disclosed plans for an independent power plant in Kwara North Senatorial District to produce 100 megawatts of power for essential services, such as hospitals, government offices, and educational institutions, in order to free up energy for small and medium scale enterprises.
Ahmed thanked Kwarans for the confidence reposed in him, and promised to hold regular meetings with various segments of the people to bridge the information gap, because “this government is about the people and we must continue to carry them along.”